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Professional Standards & REALTOR® Code of Ethics

EBCBOR provides enforcement of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), basic principles that guide the professional responsibilities of REALTORS®. All members subscribe to the Code of Ethics when joining the association and are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if found in violation the duties imposed by the Code of Ethics.

Traditionally, real estate industry disputes rely on negotiation for solutions. If negotiation fails, litigation is often initiated. Mediation involves the skillful intervention of a third-party professional to help resolve disputes that arise between two or more parties. To do so, you request a hearing by an impartial panel of the Professional Standards Committee. The panel reviews all pertinent evidence and testimony before rendering a decision. Arbitration is private. Mediation is used to resolve commission disputes and is offered prior to or in lieu of arbitration. Involved parties retain the right to arbitrate unless they execute a written settlement agreement. Mediation is private and costs nothing to file.

Ombudsman serves as a trained mediator to handle informal grievances from agents and clients.

The ombudsman process usually involves parties who have not filed an ethics complaint or arbitration request, but have experienced a breakdown in communication requiring informal resolution (although an ombudsman may also be used where a complaint has been filed). Often the ombudsman functions as an intermediary who communicates the concerns of one party to the other over the phone, so a positive relationship can be restored.

Ethics Complaints

Any person, whether a REALTOR® or not, having reason to believe that a REALTOR® is guilty of any conduct subject to disciplinary action, may file a complaint in writing in their own name with the Professional Standards Administrator, dated and signed by complainant.

Arbitration

If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if mediation is not required, REALTORS® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the policies of the Board rather than litigate the matter. In the event clients of REALTORS® wish to mediate or arbitrate contractual disputes arising out of real estate transactions, REALTORS® shall mediate or arbitrate those disputes in accordance with the policies of the Board, provided the clients agree to be bound by any resulting agreement or award.